Have you ever noticed how people say the same things over and over?
“Why aren’t there more young people in church?” “Why do 20% of the people do all the work, letting the other 80% be idle “Why can’t we get a pastor in here who will grow the church?” “You have to be born here or people won’t ever accept you.”
        That was the elder’s question to Samuel. “Do you come in peace, stranger?” “Yes,” said Samuel, “I come in peace.” That is the open exchange, the winning exchange, the escape from the authoritarian internalization of speech.
         These are clichés and put an end to conversation.  They maintain the status quo, unintentionally, which the status quo really enjoys.  What is the opposite of closed speech? It is opening speech and learning how to open the speech of others. Good tools include, “I come in peace.” Or “Tell me more.” “What good might happen with young people who are no longer churched?” “How could the 20% rest?” “What role has the congregation in church growth?” “Tell me about a millennial you admire.”
Pry us open, O God, using tools if necessary. We come in peace. Amen.             -Donna Schaper
 
Global Ministries Mission Prayer for Jamaica:  You are invited today to pray and celebrate 100 years with Pringle Home for Children, a ministry of the United Church in Jamaica and Cayman Islands. In fact, throughout this month, Pringle Home will host various public community and church events to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and the successes of the girls (now women) who have passed through our home over the last 100 years! Praise be to the power of Love and to the Loving One who makes all this possible. May Love strengthen us and also you too.